Samsung to Restore Key NotiStar Feature in One UI 8.5 Update

Samsung is readying its next major Android 16-based update, One UI 8.5. Alongside revamped visuals and new features, the update will also bring back the “Set app unable to clear notifications” option within NotiStar. This feature helps users protect important notifications from accidental dismissal.

One UI 8.5 will bring back the ability to lock important notifications in NotiStar

Part of Samsung’s Good Lock suite, the NotiStar module works as a notification history manager. The module lets users revisit notifications after dismissing them from the regular notification panel. In One UI 7, it also allowed users to stop certain apps’ notifications from being cleared. Even when you accidentally tapped the Clear all button, it displayed those alerts.

However, Samsung removed the feature from the NotiStar Labs section with the One UI 8 update, leaving many users unhappy. Thankfully, a moderator on Samsung’s official community forum recently confirmed that the feature will return in One UI 8.5.

While you wait for Samsung to bring back the option officially, you can enable it using a simple workaround. To do so, open NotiStar and then tap the three-dot icon. From the menu, select Information and then tap the name Kwangho Kim repeatedly until a Test mode message shows up. Once activated, you will see the missing option under the Labs section.

Meanwhile, One UI 8.5 will make managing your notifications easier from the regular panel. The update will also introduce AI-powered notification summaries, helping users quickly go through important information. The best part is that the summaries run on-device, meaning your data will remain private.

Rumors suggest that Samsung may open its One UI 8.5 beta program as early as December 8. The Galaxy S25 trio could be among the first devices to receive the beta build. The stable version will likely debut alongside next year’s Galaxy S26 series. It will then eventually roll out to all eligible devices, bringing a refreshed software experience across the board.